driving from Progreso to Uxmal?

[wanderbee]

Has anyone rented a car to drive from Progreso to the Uxmal ruins? We are going to be on the Carnival Triumph Jan 31 - Feb 5 and wonder if it is safe or advisable to drive ourselves? There will be 4 adults. IF you don't advise driving ourselves, can you recommend the best private tour?

[hdawson]

Most posters report that an Uxmal tour with AutoProgreso is an excellent tour provider for an organized touir.

 

If, repeat, IF you can rent a car in Progreso, it's an easy trip. Very good roads, not crowded and well marked.

 

Have fun. Uxmal is my favorite ruins site.

[wantocruisemore]

There are two main options that are used the most. One is the tour by Carnival and the other is doing it on your own with Autoprogresso.

 

We went to Uxmal in Nov. using the Carnival tour. It was not run by Autoprogresso but I can't remember the name of the Co. Super pleased but it did have upsides and downsides. The upside is you walked off the ship and got in line at the sign, then walked through the little port shopping area, hopped on the bus and we were off straight to Uxmal 15 min. after we disembarked. Ended up with over 3 hrs. there, plenty of time for a great tour and personal time to climb as well. We were the second bus at the site. Ran into some from our ship who did Autoprogresso. They were about 1 1/2 hrs. behind us. We got back to the pier with about 45 min. to shop before boarding.

Downside is it is more expensive, around $15-$20 more per person. For us though it was worth it to go straight there and not have to bother catching the bus into town down that 5 mile pier, and then waiting around while the tour filled before getting to the ruins after it's hotter with less time.

 

Personally I would not try renting a car and going on your own unless you are familiar with the country. It's a long drive there and although highway most of the way, I remember several turns. I am sure there are some private tours you can set up for small groups rather than the larger bus tours.

 

Best thing is weigh your options. Neither are bad, some may be better for one individual than another.

[WilliamLawson]

Renting a car is a fabulous way of seeing the countryside, just leave plenty of time in either direction both for the inevitable wrong turn at some point (although signage is excellent) and returning the vehicle.

[wanderbee]

I have sent off an email to Global car rental. Hopefully they will have a car available. We love driving ourselves and being able to stop when we want. Thanks for the encouragement.

[gtsuttons]

Robert Bowers is a good private guide. He took care of us in October as well as several others here. Not only is Uxmal a stop, he goes to a small town with this awesome Catholic Church and market. He is an American who have lived down there for 20+ years.

 

Robert Bower <rabbit777mx@yahoo.com>